On March 1 in Frankfort, Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes hosted the release of the 2011 Kentucky Civic Health Index, a report that measures Kentucky’s overall civic health.
The report was authored by WKU’s Institute for Citizenship and Social Responsibility, in partnership with the NCoC (National Conference on Citizenship) and with support from the Secretary of State’s office, the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, and Kentucky Advocates for Civic Education.
The report examines various aspects of civic health including political participation, community involvement, and the ability of Kentucky citizens to work together to solve common problems.
Paul Markham, co-director of the ICSR, said he is excited to have Secretary Grimes’ support in the launch and follow up efforts to strengthen the Commonwealth. “Our goal at the ICSR is to strengthen the civic mission of higher education and that means we care about things beyond our campus,” he said. “We want to see stronger communities and more people working together to solve problems.”
Markham and Saundra Ardrey, head of WKU’s Department of Political Science and a co-director at the ICSR, attended the launch at the Capitol Rotunda. “We are thrilled to play such a key role in improving the quality of life in our state and we appreciate the support of the Secretary and other state leaders,” Ardrey said.
“The Kentucky Civic Health Index provides an excellent platform to not only understand the ways that Kentuckians are engaged, but to develop sustainable civic strategies that will ensure all residents are actively involved in shaping the communities in which they want to live,” NCoC Board Member Phil Duncan said.
Secretary Grimes, the Commonwealth’s chief advocate for civic engagement and literacy, said: “The report gives us a starting point and a yardstick against which we can measure our progress. This information gives us a great opportunity to shape where we, as a state, are going.”
Former Secretaries of State Trey Grayson, Bob Babbage, John Y. Brown III and Elaine Walker have expressed support for the report. Brown called the report a “wake-up call,” and said he has “faith that Kentuckians, driven by our love of this state and of our neighbors and communities, will respond to the call.”
Walker noted the importance of “active citizenship, including volunteering and otherwise working together to address common problems.” She hoped Kentuckians would “take pride and ownership in their communities and come together to improve them.”
“The trend of declining civic engagement stops now,” Secretary Grimes said. “Starting today, we will work toward a more enthusiastic and informed electorate in Kentucky.”
The report shows, she said, that “we must think outside the box, engaging in new partnerships and implementing fresh strategies, to connect all Kentuckians and bridge the gaps left by previous efforts.”
Secretary Grimes announced that her office will continue working with past partners, but will reach out to groups and communities that may not have participated in formulating past initiatives. “This is our Commonwealth and our future, and it is up to us to ensure that future is bright,” she said.
The Institute for Citizenship & Social Responsibility is committed to promoting careful reflection on civic values; engaging in critical analysis of contemporary social, economic, and political problems; and developing the capacities and skills to create positive change.
Contact: Paul Markham, (270) 745-3218 or paul.markham@wku.edu
